Crimson Moonlight

XVI. Close Encounter

   The city's lights twinkled in the early evening, casting a soft glow that danced off the glass and steel of the buildings. I walked through the bustling streets, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The day had been long, filled with lectures and assignments, and I was looking forward to unwinding at home. As I made my way through the crowded streets, a sense of unease began to creep over me. It started as a prickling at the back of my neck, a feeling that I was being watched. I glanced around, trying to shake off the paranoia, but the sensation only grew stronger.

   Just as I was about to dismiss it as my imagination, a shadow darted from the alleyway beside me. Before I could react, a hand clamped over my mouth, and I was dragged into the darkness.

"Stay quiet," a harsh voice whispered in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. I struggled against the grip, but the attacker was too strong.

   Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of movement. A figure emerged from the shadows, his eyes glowing with a menacing red light. Another vampire. Panic surged through me, and I fought harder, but the grip tightened.

"Let her go," a familiar voice commanded, and my heart leapt with a mixture of relief and fear. Sunghoon stepped into the alley, his presence imposing and his eyes burning with an intensity I had never seen before. The vampire holding me snarled, but he didn't release his grip.

"She's mine," Sunghoon declared, his voice cold and authoritative. "Let her go, or face the consequences."

   The vampire hesitated, clearly intimidated by Sunghoon's commanding presence. He loosened his grip just enough for me to break free and stumble toward Sunghoon. He caught me, his touch grounding and reassuring.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softening as he looked me over for injuries. I nodded, my breath coming in short gasps. "I'm fine, thanks to you."

   The other vampire sneered, baring his fangs. "You think you can protect her? You're just a traitor to our kind." Sunghoon's expression darkened, and he stepped forward, placing himself between me and the vampire. "Leave now, and you'll live," he warned. "Stay, and you'll regret it."

   The vampire lunged at Sunghoon, his movements a blur. Sunghoon responded with a speed and strength that left me breathless. He moved with the grace of a predator, his eyes flashing with a fierce determination. He caught the vampire mid-air, slamming him into the ground with a force that cracked the pavement.

   The vampire snarled and writhed, trying to break free, but Sunghoon's grip was unyielding. He pinned the vampire down, his eyes burning with a cold, lethal fire. "You should have listened," he said, his voice deadly calm.

   With a swift, fluid motion, Sunghoon drew a blade from his coat and pressed it against the vampire's throat. "Yield," he commanded. The vampire hissed, his eyes blazing with defiance. "Never." Sunghoon's grip tightened, and he pressed the blade harder, drawing a thin line of blood. "Last chance," he warned. The vampire glared at Sunghoon, his defiance wavering as he realized the futility of his situation. With a snarl, he finally relented. "Fine. I yield."

   Sunghoon released him and stepped back, his eyes never leaving the vampire. "Go. And tell your kind that Eunchae is under my protection. Any who harm her will answer to me." The vampire scrambled to his feet and fled into the shadows, casting one last hateful glance at us before disappearing from sight.

   I stood there, stunned by the ferocity and power Sunghoon had displayed. I had always known he was strong, but seeing him in action was a revelation. He turned to me, his expression softening as he saw the shock on my face.

"Are you really okay?" he asked, his voice gentle. I nodded, still trying to process what I had just witnessed. "You... you were incredible," I managed to say. He smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I'm just glad you're safe."

   As we walked back to my apartment, the city seemed eerily quiet compared to the adrenaline-pumping encounter we had just experienced. Sunghoon's arm was around my shoulders, providing a comforting presence. I leaned into him, grateful for his strength and protection.

"Why did that vampire attack me?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. Sunghoon's jaw tightened. "They're getting bolder," he replied. "They know about us, about what we're trying to do. They see you as a threat because you're with me." I swallowed hard, the reality of the danger we faced settling heavily on my shoulders. "I didn't realize it would be this bad."

   Sunghoon stopped and turned to face me, his expression serious but filled with determination. "I'm sorry, Eunchae. I should have warned you. But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe." I nodded, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and resolve. "I know you will. And I won't back down. We're in this together." He smiled, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "You're stronger than you think, Eunchae."

   We continued our walk in silence, each of us lost in our thoughts. When we reached my apartment, Sunghoon insisted on coming inside to make sure everything was secure. I couldn't argue—I felt safer with him close by.

   Once inside, I made us some tea, hoping it would help calm my nerves. We sat on the couch, the warm glow of the lamps casting a cozy light around us. I sipped my tea, the familiar taste and scent providing a small measure of comfort.

   Sunghoon watched me carefully, his eyes reflecting the worry he tried to hide. "We need to be more vigilant," he said quietly. "The attacks will likely increase as we get closer to our goal." I nodded, setting my cup down. "I understand. We have to stay focused and prepared."

   He reached out and took my hand, his touch sending a reassuring warmth through me. "I'm sorry you have to go through this," he said softly. "If I could shield you from all of it, I would." I squeezed his hand, meeting his gaze. "I know. But I chose to be a part of this, Sunghoon. I won't let fear stop me." He smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "You're incredible, Eunchae."

   For a moment, we simply sat there, the world outside our little bubble of safety fading into the background. Despite the danger and uncertainty, I felt a sense of peace knowing we faced it together.

꧁ ____________★____________ ꧂ 

   The next morning, Sunghoon and I decided to take a break from the intensity of our mission. We needed a moment to clear our heads and find some semblance of normalcy. So, we decided to go to the mall. It was a rare opportunity to blend into the ordinary world, even if just for a few hours.

    The mall was bustling with life, the air filled with the sounds of chatter and laughter. We wandered through the stores, enjoying the temporary escape from our worries. Sunghoon bought me an ice cream, and we strolled through the corridors, the simple pleasure of the moment a welcome reprieve.

   As we passed by a jewelry store, something caught my eye. In the display window was a pendant shaped like a small crescent moon, glinting in the light. I stopped, drawn to its delicate beauty. Sunghoon noticed and followed my gaze. "Do you like it?" he asked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. I nodded. "It's beautiful."

   He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment, then walked into the store. I watched in surprise as he spoke to the salesperson and purchased the pendant. When he returned, he handed me the small box with a gentle smile. "Here," he said. "A reminder that even in the darkest times, there's always a light to guide us." I took the box, my heart swelling with emotion. "Thank you, Sunghoon. It's perfect."

   We continued our walk, the pendant now hanging around my neck, a symbol of hope and resilience. As we passed by a bookstore, Sunghoon's eyes lit up. "Let's go in," he suggested. "I need to pick up a few things."

   We browsed the shelves, the scent of paper and ink filling the air. Sunghoon picked out a couple of books on ancient vampire lore, while I found a novel that had been on my reading list for ages. We paid for our purchases and left the store, the weight of our mission momentarily lifted by the simple pleasure of a day out.

꧁ ____________★____________ ꧂